We see a beautiful truth in these three examples: in Daniel’s three friends, in Job’s suffering, and Saul’s conversion to Paul. While all of their trials and sufferings were for a purpose, they also took the opportunity to use their suffering for the glory of God. They themselves did not waste their pain, but took every opportunity captive. They used it for a greater cause than just wallowing in self pity.
But what about us here, us right now? What causes us to endure mundane days, dark trials, and deep valleys? What motivates us to not waste this pain? We have already looked at one motivator, the glory of God. But here is another: we are living for another world. We have set our sights on Eternity.
We look to a kingdom that is coming. For this world is truly not our home. We have set our hearts and eyes on Eternity; a place where the King walks freely with His friends. A place where suffering is no more, where tears are wiped away forever, and where the glorious light of the Son banishes all darkness and evil.
A place where we will fellowship with each other and never grow weary, impatient, selfish or bored. A place where we will love fully and perfectly, where we will never fail each other, where we will be able to sing together, praising the Risen Lamb. A place where full, unhindered glory awaits, where we will be perfect. Complete. Whole.
A place where our suffering will make sense, where we will see the full tapestry; each thread woven in by the sovereign King. A place where the bigger picture will be revealed, causing us to glorify the masterful, all-knowing, all-wise mind of our all-powerful Creator. A place where we will acknowledge that what we went through truly was the most excellent way.
A place where the true meaning of the word beauty will be fully realised, as our eyes and souls are taken up with the full, dazzling beauty of our Saviour. Where we will be able to gaze upon the unshielded face of Christ without fear of death or shame. Where you will finally see the One whom your soul truly longs for- the One whom your soul loves.
The beautiful truth is that these people in these 3 examples awaited such a place. And we do to. Because this is a real place, a real future, a real reality. Our pain is not wasted, because our pain is not all there is. There is an end to it, and what a glorious end it is. This painful road leads to golden streets where the feet of saints will walk for all eternity. This painful journey leads to an Eternity of rejoicing and singing.
For all of Eternity is marked with the voices of every Christian that has gone before us, and will go after us, glorifying the One who has used our pain for our good and His glory. Therefore we welcome the pain, because He is truly worthy of all glory, honour, praise, and worship. Christian, do no waste your pain.
“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now. Come further up, come further in!”
CS Lewis
To The Heart 